Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 13, 2022
Submitted:
April 14, 2022
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Galena pass

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
9300 ' Middle
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Small avalanche chute, mid slope, 1' to 2' deep, ran 40' to 60'. Was side slipping down to ride sluff over exposed ROCKS, when ENTIRE base layer started to wash out. Snowpack here obviously THIN and ROTTEN. 2 to 3 foot layer large grain depth hoar. I got washed downhill with/in this snow.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
2 small crowns, middle
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Two small crowns below Titus Ridge on steep convex rollovers. Apparently from Tues before snow bonded up and recieved some radiation from the sun.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Gut feeling is that extended drought left us with thin rotten North facing snowpack. Would avoid large starting zones of this nature, or lines where could get swept into trees. Also, high elevation North aspects with same conditions..